maximilian lorenz

Located near the main train station, cathedral and the Rhine, this restaurant is entirely dedicated to German cuisine. Maximilian Lorenz and his team serve up a creative set menu (also available in a vegetarian version) that combines the modern and the traditional in a skilful and multifaceted way, with dishes such as Saarland sea bass, mussel, samphire, condensed milk. Diners are sure to be impressed by the top-notch ingredients, the culinary prowess of the kitchen team and the exquisite flavours. The interior is upmarket, elegant and minimalist. The extensive wine list has a very good selection of champagnes and sparkling wines. Wine lovers should also check out heinzhermann, the modern, laid-back wine bar located just next door. For those who need to eat on the hoof, there are also simpler street food options to take away.

Two fixed menus, not a flexible tasting format

• The restaurant publishes two set menus, and notes they are not changeable, with courses not swappable.

A Cologne classic, upgraded

• Halver Hahn appears as a priced add-on, reworked as a late-menu extra.

Service constraints stated up front

• The kitchen flags limits on allergies and intolerances, and notes a last ordering time for the longer menu.

Signature Ingredients

• Kikok chicken: a menu headline ingredient, used across multiple courses (leg and breast preparations).
• North Sea turbot (Steinbutt): paired with chicken, also served as filet with an essence.
• Riesling braise base: appears as a defining sauce and flavour backbone in both menus.
• Smoked almond, fermented mushroom cream, saffron: a named trio that signals the menu’s flavour profile.
• Pumpernickel and pickled raisins: tied to the restaurant’s signature Rhenish Sauerbraten idea.

Current menus

• Menu 16 courses: €175
• Vegetarian menu 26 courses: €135

Pairings

• Wine pairing: +€109
• Non-alcoholic pairing: +€99

Example plates (as listed)

• Kikok chicken and North Sea turbot
• Smoked almond, fermented mushroom cream, saffron
• Halver Hahn add-on: Gouda, mustard, Röggelchen (+€20)